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Penelope Hegseth Defends Son’s Character Amidst Trump Transition Controversy

In Citizen
January 14, 2025

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Pete Hegseth’s mother went on a Fox show to speak positively about her son’s character, stating that he had undergone positive changes. She is the mother of President-elect Donald J. Trump’s pick for defense secretary.

Written by Jennifer S. Forsyth

Writing from the capital

Penelope Hegseth, the mother of Pete Hegseth, stated on Wednesday morning that her son has changed since 2018. She previously sent an email expressing concerns about his behavior towards women and questioning his character.

During an interview on "Fox & Friends," Mrs. Hegseth stated that Pete has transformed into a different person, having been forgiven and changed for the better.

"I really hope that everyone, especially the female senators, will take the time to learn about Pete today. I hope you will listen to him with an open heart and hear the truth about him," she expressed. She also mentioned, "He does not mistreat women."

The woman’s appearance occurred following the publication of an email she had written while Mr. Hegseth was going through a difficult divorce from his second wife. In an interview with The Times on Friday, she mentioned that she did not stand by what was written in that email and had already apologized to her son in a subsequent email.

Following reports of alcohol abuse and mismanagement within nonprofit organizations, a recent article in The New Yorker shed light on these allegations. Additionally, Pete Hegseth has been accused of rape by a woman at a political conference in 2017. Despite an investigation finding no evidence to press charges, Hegseth’s lawyer, Timothy Parlatore, maintains that the encounter was consensual.

Mr. Hegseth’s chances of leading the Defense Department in the upcoming Trump administration have been put at risk due to the consequences of his actions. President-elect Donald J. Trump is now considering alternative candidates for the position.

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